chapter 9

** Building a Future**

The morning sun filtered softly through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the old house. The air was filled with the scent of fresh coffee and the salty tang of the ocean breeze, creating an atmosphere that felt both familiar and new. Claire stood in the kitchen, her hands wrapped around a steaming mug, gazing out the window at the garden. It was overgrown and wild, but there was a beauty in its untamed state, a reminder that life, even in its chaos, could still be beautiful.

Ethan entered the kitchen, his hair still damp from the shower, and placed a gentle kiss on Claire’s cheek. “Morning,” he murmured, his voice still husky from sleep.

“Morning,” Claire replied, leaning into his warmth. There was a sense of peace between them that hadn’t been there in years, a quiet understanding that they were on the right path, even if it was one they were still forging.

They ate breakfast together, the conversation light but meaningful. They talked about their plans